Planning Permission

Planning permission is the legal approval required under UK planning law before building a renewable energy project. For most solar, onshore wind, and battery storage schemes, decisions are usually made by the local planning authority (local council). Larger projects—over 50MW in England and 350MW in Wales and Scotland—are classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and are consented through the NSIP regime, administered by the Planning Inspectorate. Landowners should note that developers typically apply for planning permission during the option period, rather than after a lease has been signed.